Arizona among top states in nation for renters, study finds

PHOENIX — If you are thinking of renting a home or apartment, Arizona might be one of the best places for you.

According to a recent study from RentCafe, Arizona was ranked the fifth-best state in the nation when it comes to legislation for renters.

The state received 70 out of 100 possible points in the study, falling just 20 points behind the best state in the nation for renters: Vermont.

Some of the highlights that contributed to Arizona’s high ranking included a 30-day notice for month-to-month renters before a rent increase, tenants having the ability to repair and deduct costs from rent and their ability to withhold rent if a landlord fails to provide essential services.

Arizona also required a maximum of one-and-a-half months of rent for a security deposit for an unfurnished apartment on a 1-year lease and landlords must return the money within 14 days of a lease termination.

But Arizona was also one of 14 states that can serve an Unconditional Quit Notice if renters violate their lease and only requires a five-day notice to terminate a lease if a tenant does not pay their rent.

This ranking was significant because only 59 percent of Phoenix-area residents own a home, compared to 68.6 percent of residents before the Great Recession hit.

In addition, renter households have been increasing by nearly 5 percent each year since 2013, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.